A quick team meeting before the start of the final period during Monday’s scrimmage with Jackson County set the Leopards up to take the lead. Late game fouls for Banks County allowed Jackson County to slip ahead to win the scrimmage 71-65. Photo by Justin Poole

The Banks County Leopards’ are lacing up their sneakers for another basketball season with high hopes set to improve upon last years’ 14-12 record.

“I think we are going to be a competitive team,” said coach Mike Ruth. “We have a lot of quickness. In fact, this is the smallest and fastest team we have had since I have been coaching at Banks.”

Leopard fans were treated to a preview of the season Monday night as the Leopards squared off against Jackson County in a preseason scrimmage.

The scrimmage went in the Panther’s favor 71-65, but it wasn’t due to a lack of effort by the Banks County side.

The Leopards leapt from a 22-32 deficit at the half, to taking the lead in the fourth period. Jackson County responded and a battle for court dominance began. With the game going back and forth with one point separating the winner either way, the outcome came down to the free-throw line.

Panthers drew the fouls and slipped past the Leopards to take the win.

Last season, Banks County defeated Jackson County in all but one of the team’s meetings. This year the Leopards will face the Panthers at least twice more, in the Piedmont College Invitational and then in the Jackson County Tournament, both in December.

The heated scrimmage between the teams is also a good preview of the future for both teams, as the Georgia High School Association, announced the classifications for the 2010-2014 cycle. Banks County remains in Class AA, joined by Jackson County, dropping from Class AAA.

With what is sure to be a deep rivalry ready to form next year, this season, the Banks County Leopards turn their attention to the first game of the season.

Banks County faces Lakeview Academy Nov. 30, to begin the 2009-10 season. Starting the season on the road, the Leopards tip-off at Lakeview following the girl’s game at 6 p.m.

After the opener on the road, Banks County returns home for a three game block hosting Rabun, Dawson and Commerce on Dec. 4, Dec. 8 and Dec. 11. The Rabun and Dawson games are also the start of region play for the Leopards.

“Our region is going to be tough,” Ruth said adding that Rabun has seen an influx of new talent and well as Dawson having players move in from Washington-Wilkes.

“We are going to have to put on the pressure and push from both ends.” said Ruth.

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